St. Johns Ship Building acquired by leader in maritime industry (Courtesy of the Jacksonville Business Journal) — Palatka-based St. Johns Ship Building was recently acquired by Americraft Marine, a subsidiary of the Libra Group.
The aim of the acquisition, according to Americraft, is to strengthen Florida’s shipbuilding industry by bringing in a more independent industrial shipbuilding base through new job development along with expansion and investment in offshore wind energy vessels.
The St. Johns Ship Building is one of the only U.S. shipyards building vessels that service offshore wind and is an industry leader in construction and repair of steel and aluminum vessels.
“Americraft Marine is proud to acquire St. Johns Ship Building, which has the right leadership and skilled workforce to accelerate the future of U.S. shipbuilding and advance the urgent need for Jones Act-compliant, future-focused U.S. vessels,” said Omear Khalid, CEO of Americraft Marine, in a release. “Our goal is simple: to build a best-in-class Jones Act-compliant shipyard. Americraft Marine will provide stable industrial jobs, invest in workforce training, and leverage St. Johns’ proven expertise as well as the historical maritime heritage of the Libra Group.”
As a rise in demand ensues, following new renewable energy infrastructure, the supply of Jones-Act compliant vessels is dwindling.
With facilities including a storm-protected 100-acre inland campus with a 850-ton floating drydock, St. Johns Ship Building is positioned to accelerate production of Jones Act-compliant vessels, particularly the construction and maintenance of offshore wind supply and support vessels, according to Americraft.